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View all search resultsAntiradicalism decree fuels fears of authoritarianism
The decree forbids civil servants to express opinions on social media that contain “hate speech” against Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) or the government.
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A woman uses her phone. (Shutterstock/Asada Nami)
I
n a bold attempt to curb radicalism in the civil service, the government has issued a joint decree — signed by 11 ministries and state bodies — to regulate what civil servants can and cannot say on social media.
The government has also set up a monitoring team and a website where the public can report civil servants they believe have espoused radical ideas.
The joint decree, issued on Nov. 12, was signed by six ministers: Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, Home Minister Tito Karnavian, Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly, Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi, Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim and Communications and Information Minister Johnny G. Plate.
State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Budi Gunawan, National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) head Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius, National Civil Service Agency (BKN) head Bima Haria Wibisana, Pancasila Ideology Education Agency (BPIP) acting head Hariyono and Civil Service Commission (KASN) chairman Agus Pramusinto also signed the document.
The decree forbids civil servants to express opinions on social media that contain “hate speech” against Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) or the government. It further says that civil servants cannot share those opinions or show their approval by liking or commenting on the posts.
The public have been encouraged to report civil servants who violate the new rules to aduasn.id by signing up for an account to provide links and attachments as evidence. The relevant state institution will then follow up on the report and determine the punishments for them.
Government Regulation (PP) No. 53/2010 on civil servant disciplinary action establishes a range of penalties for civil servants, including verbal or written reprimands, salary or promotion delays, demotion or dismissal.
